2018 DHDA: Readers’ Choice

Modern Masterpiece

AZD Architects, with Charfoos Design, floats readers’ boats

LOOKING OUT TO UPPER Long Lake from this 5,000-square-foot Bloomfield Township home, about the only thing you can see is lake. And that’s just what Bloomfield Hills-based AZD Architects wanted. Because the site is 45 feet above the lake, when you’re standing in the house, no land is visible — giving the illusion of being on a boat. More watery appeal comes in the way of the covered entrance, which incorporates a metal-and-wood structure that appears to float above the door.

Michiganders treasure their land of lakes, and readers of Detroit Home certainly appreciated how this lakeside home makes the most of its views. Voted as the Readers’ Choice in the 2018 Detroit Home Design Awards, it makes a splash in more ways than one.

This modern house, with its dramatic, economical, and functional layout, consists of 2,500 square feet on the main level with a 2,500-square-foot walkout. The main level contains the master suite, great room, dining area/ kitchen, and an office. The walkout, meanwhile, includes a large recreation area, plus a bar and kitchenette and three bedroom suites for children.

TOP PICK This home wowed Detroit Home readers in the annual Readers’ Choice Best Overall Home poll. High ceilings, lots of glass, and clean-lined furnishings create one gorgeous stunner.

The main-level floor plan features 14-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass throughout, but one of the home’s more stunning attributes is a wide-open steel and wood stairway, which makes the walkout feel like part of the home rather than a basement.

On the exterior, you’ll find a combination of cedar, stone, glass, and metal panels. A low-pitched roof, exaggerated overhangs, linear detailing, and horizontal ribbons of glass add to this home’s sleek, modern look.

As for the interior, Bloomfield Township- based Charfoos Design whipped up a spread that features warm woods, intriguing metals, and simple-lined furnishings in a neutral palette. It’s all you need to let the great outdoors — and that gorgeous lake — be the shining star.